On Saturday evening August 11, while at another fire call, members of the Stanford Heights Fire Department viewed a plume of smoke in the distance. They immediately contacted control and informed them they were responding to investigate. Upon arrival the department realized the home was that of one of their own members, former Captain Mark Nichols. The firefighters worked to rescue their brother firefighter who had received third degree burns on parts of his body requiring skin grafts as well as helping to repair is esophogus. He was immediately rushed to Albany Medical Center and then to Westchester Burn Center. In the interim Stanford Heights, Carmen, Niskayuna 2, Midway, West Albany, Colonie Village and assistance from Shaker Road-Loudonville worked to put the structure fire out. The fire began in the kitchen area and moved up the outside of the building into the attic area. Assistant Chief Baker worked diligently to try to revive the Nichols pet laborador dog that was rescued but was unable to do so. All of the members of the Stanford Heights and the other departments worked hard to bring the fire under control and worried about their brother firefighter who lost everything in the fire. Plans are being made to hold a fundraiser to help Nichols begin to rebuild his life and his home. Thankfully Nichols is expected to make a recovery.